This game can only be described in many words: frustrating, boring, fun, exciting. But one word perfectly describes the game: weird. This whole game can be explained by these themes.
Boring
First off, just let me say that this was one of the sloppiest football games I’ve ever watched. In the first half, both defenses started off well as neither offense was able to convert on their chances to get into the end zone. For Florida, anytime they got remotely close to the end zone, they did what Florida does best: not get any closer. They ended up settling for field goals, another thing Florida football has become well known for. While they did not look terrible in the first half, you had that feeling that they just wouldn’t get in the end zone.
As for Tennessee, they have no one to thank but the great Florida defense for not allowing them to find the end zone in the first half. In a very good first drive for the Vols, they were able to get all the way down to Florida’s 34 yard line aaaaannnddd…. Interception. They then had to punt on back to back drives before doing their best Florida impression and getting stalled, settling for a field goal.
So far this game has been Snoozeville, but now here’s where the frustration begins.
Frustrating
For Tennessee, the frustration started late in the first half. A simple run play with only 13 seconds left in the half in an attempt to run out the clock actually ended up getting them 38 yards. Now Tennessee will get a field goal before halftime, right? NOPE! Later they were able to recover a fumble in prime field position and got all the down to the one yard line. Did they score a touchdown? NOPE! Duke Dawson jumped a slant route and intercepted the pass. After this, Tennessee was on third down, backed up in their own territory, think they run a quick route and punt, right? NOPE AGAIN! They throw a pick six and trail 13-3 early in the fourth. Finally, they string together a nice drive to set up a chance to bring the game within a score with a field goal. Aaaand they miss wide right. The frustration is mounting and Butch Jones’ face is firetruck red.
Here is where the frustration switched to the Gators’ side. After going up 13-3 and getting a pick six you would think the momentum is going their way? NOPE. Malik Davis fumbles a would be TD run at the two yard line, causing a touchback and giving Tennessee the football.
Now the frustration decided to alternate both ways. Tennessee took advantage and scored after a Florida fumble. Tennessee is then called for excessive celebration and gets pushed back 15 yards before the kickoff. Florida took advantage and set up offense on Tennessee’s 44-yard line. Florida then takes a shot downfield and it’s dropped by Toney. Now Florida is frustrated.
Fun and Exciting
Now it’s time for the fun and it all starts with the Gators (said no one ever). After 114 minutes and 47 seconds of play, Florida’s offense finally did it. After all the jokes, mistakes, bad play calls, and decisions, they finally found the end zone. If that’s not exciting, I don’t know what is. Then here comes Tennessee. Only two plays after Florida’s touchdown, they get one of their own to bring themselves back to within three.
Florida then gave Tennessee the ball right back after a costly interception that swung the momentum entirely towards Tennessee. Now, late in the game, it’s Florida’s stout defense versus Tennessee’s newfound high-powered offense and this is where it gets exciting. After some seesaw battles between the two foes, Tennessee had to settle for tying it up, 20-20.
Weird
After some poor clock management, Florida was left with only nine seconds. Boos filled the stadium as fans were all but sure this game was going to overtime because Florida’s offense couldn’t put themselves in position for the win. Then…
ARE YOU SERIOUS!????!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/CI6OdeYqgI
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 16, 2017
For only the second time in the Tebow era, a quarterback for the Florida Gators was directly responsible for a clutch play in the fourth quarter to help his team win, against Tennessee no less. Weird….